IN THE PIPELINE:

For a long time, I have been interested in historical artifacts. Last year I wrote a book called “The Ruby Slippers, Madonna’s Bra and Einstein’s Brain — The Locations of America’s Pop Culture Artifacts,” and I have a modest collection of relics that my family and I have gathered over the years.

It’s hard for me to flip past TV’s “Antiques Roadshow” when it’s on because, like many other people, I’m interested in where the next bit of treasure will come from. Is there anything we have buried someplace in a box or packed deeply into a closet that holds some magical value? Or, more likely, what might we find in some roadside curio shop or antique mall?

I’ve thought before how great it would be if Huntington Beach (like nearby Orange) had some sort of established antiques district or curio alley where, stall after stall, one would be able to pick through parts of the past. I know there’s the weekly swap meet on Goldenwest, which I’m sure produces the occasional nugget, but it’s not the same as having a full-time district with actual artifacts.

What had me mulling this topic over was a story I heard last week about a local history teacher who struck historic gold, just by poking around one of the dusty places that feels like an aunt’s old attic.

His name is E.J. Ziemann, and he teaches ninth- and 11th-grade history at Marina High School. From what my son Charlie tells me, Ziemann is popular because he makes history fun and interesting, challenging students to look at things from different angles and helping them appreciate the fact that the past has a say in the future. Ziemann graduated with an associate’s degree in social science from Golden West College in 1992, a bachelor’s degree in history from Cal State Long Beach in 1994 and received his social science credential from Cal State Long Beach in 1995. He is also a history buff outside of the classroom. He enjoys hunting for artifacts (including political ephemera such as old antique buttons) whenever he gets the chance, and the opportunity presented itself recently on a trip up to Paso Robles.

Located just north of San Luis Obispo along Highway 101, thanks in part to the rich soil and sweet ocean air, Paso Robles has recently earned a reputation as a wine lover’s haven. Vineyards thrive in the ideal growing conditions — but so do antique stores. Road trippers have long enjoyed Paso Robles as a stopping point between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the town has rewarded visitors with an abundance of places to look for pieces of the past.

A couple of weeks ago when Ziemann and his wife, Tina, made the trip to celebrate a birthday, they spent some time at one of the antique malls, just poking around. An old frame sticking out from a stack of other musty collectibles caught Ziemann’s eye.

He was pleased to discover it was a war artifact, something he’s always on the hunt for. Specifically, it was a framed award, presented for Gallantry and Distinguished Service to a British soldier identified as “G. Dodson.” Ziemann made note that the award was from the “War of 1914-1920,” otherwise known as World War I.

At $20, it seemed like a bargain to Ziemann, so he prepared to purchase it. Before he forked the money over, he noticed the document was signed, as all accommodations presumably would have been back then, by the Secretary of State for War. And just who was the secretary at the time? None other than Winston Churchill.

Holding his breath, Ziemann made the $20 purchase. Then, he pointed out the signature to the shopkeeper, who had just sold a prized historic artifact for the price of a couple of movie tickets. Remember, all’s fair not just in love and war, but also in antique shopping. And Ziemann had struck the mother lode.

Flush with the luck of his find, Ziemann returned to his home in Huntington Beach and did what any good history teacher would do — brought the treasure to class and used the opportunity to talk about one of the world’s great leaders, Winston Churchill.

As well, the document has propelled Ziemann on a quest to learn more about the soldier, Officer Dodson, and his place in history.

Prime Minister Churchill’s place is of course well-established, but Ziemann wants to study him anew now, given that he now has a physical link to the renowned statesman.

What I like best about Ziemann’s discovery is that it won’t be locked up in some hermetically sealed vault like a sterile lab specimen. It will be studied, relished, and best of all, used as a teaching tool for students.

Churchill himself said, “I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” Sounds like something a teenager today might say, and thanks to Ziemann, a recently uncovered artifact might help teens learn a little something extra.

Good job, Mr. Ziemann. And congratulations.

Found any rare treasures lately? Post it In The Pipeline, www.hbindependent.com/ columns.

Huntington Beach’s 21st annual Author’s Reception will be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Central Library (7111 Talbert Ave.). It’s Author’s Day in Huntington Beach, which means each school will host one or more speakers who are writers. I’ll be speaking at Dwyer Middle School earlier in the day. After we speak at the schools, many authors gather at the reception for this free event where you can get your books signed, meet authors and more.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 10 books including his latest, “Led Zeppelin Crashed Here, The Rock and Roll Landmarks of North America” and the forthcoming “Huntington Beach – Then & Now.” He also hosts “The Pop Culture Road Trip” radio show on webtalkradio.net. You can write him at [email protected].